[MetaX]

I'm looking into putting up a roof rack on my LCI comp and trying to decide between the Yakima Jestream and Thule Wingbar systems. I have been using Thule Aeroblades with great success in my previous vehicles but now looking to see how the newer generations perform. My main considerations:

1. Ease of removal: Given the slope of the roof, looks like either load bar will end up being a wing that generates lift (or downforce? I dunno) so being able to easily remove the bar off-season may be a new criteria for me.
2. Noise from wind: My ski/snowboard rack will generate more wind noise by orders of magnitude but in case the naked load bars end up being quiet and doesn't hurt my gas mileage too much I may just leave them on.
3. Sleeker, more integrated look: Because yeah.

Originally went with Thule because they were the only outfit making aero bars at the time and I have been schlepping them from car-to-car since they were the right length. Also if I went with Thule, there is also the Evo vs. Edge versions to frustrate my decision paralysis.

Looking to see if anyone has had experience with either or both of these systems. Primary use-case is for my Kuat ski/snowboard racks but may also use it for carrying my bikes. First need to overcome the very real fear that I'll drive into a garage with the bikes still attached.

[JustinP]

Why not use the genuine BMW roof bars?

[pyo]

I went with genuine BMW roof bars, as it is way cheaper then Thule + comes with locks.

With just roof bars, there is some noise which I only notice when I have the sunroof cracked open. If the shade is closed, I don't hear it at all. I think I lost 1-2 mpg keeping the roof bars on the car...and doesn't help with hitting triple digit speeds, although that may have been compounded by having tire pressures too low.

I had 1 ski + 3 boards on my Kuat Grip 6 on a 3-4 hr drive. Definitely will feel/hear it when fully loaded but having that M Power really helped.

Pretty easy to install and remove. I had a helping hand installing but I think I could do it myself next time.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...postcount=4202

[MetaX]

Originally Posted by JustinP

Why not use the genuine BMW roof bars?

Yeah I had considered using the BMW roof bars but I found the foot packs to be pretty bulky looking and I really liked the aero profile that Thule had (also looked cool IMO). Another benefit is that both Thule and Yakima bars have t-slot grooves for direct mounting carriers instead of having to use bulkier clamps and straps.

[pyo]

Originally Posted by MetaX

Yeah I had considered using the BMW roof bars but I found the foot packs to be pretty bulky looking and I really liked the aero profile that Thule had (also looked cool IMO). Another benefit is that both Thule and Yakima bars have t-slot grooves for direct mounting carriers instead of having to use bulkier clamps and straps.

You talking about this? (from the BMW roof bar manual)

From everything I read on here, BMW roof bar is made by Thule, just rebranded.

[MetaX]

Originally Posted by pyo

You talking about this? (from the BMW roof bar manual)

From everything I read on here, BMW roof bar is made by Thule, just rebranded.

Oh that is different than the BMW bars I was originally looking at (which were also made by Thule). I see that it has the t-slots as well. Interesting that they went with a straight bar vs. the slight curvature that Thule and Yakima have. Makes for better t-slot mounting since ski racks aren't curved but for some reason I find the Yakima and Thule have a more low profile look. I now have three options to hmm and haw over.

[gallagher]

I have the aeroblades. They put off horrendous wind noise at any position until I figured out I had to tape the underside of the bars then the noise was gone. Definitely don’t help fuel economy either but have otherwise worked well for me. Very expensive for what you get. But I felt that the Thule profile fit the best with the car. Very compact and not too clunky.

[Mrdonbonjovi]

Thule Wingbar evo on my X5 look and work great.

You can check out rack attack for images of other installs when you put in your car info below.

https://www.rackattack.com/fit/

[superjacob]

Originally Posted by Mrdonbonjovi

Thule Wingbar evo on my X5 look and work great.

You can check out rack attack for images of other installs when you put in your car info below.

https://www.rackattack.com/fit/

Thank you for a recommendation, looks very decent despite the fact I'm not a fan of roof racks, probably some option like inside car racks(like this one) would be better

[JC210]

Originally Posted by superjacob

Thank you for a recommendation, looks very decent despite the fact I'm not a fan of roof racks

As an Aussie, you could also look at ROLA.

[stoked335d]

If the noise is an issue install a fairing in front. Make sure to put some clear tape where plastic feet make contact with the roof to protect the paint. Makes a big difference.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Great topic here guys. I don't need a roof rack yet. But probably will in the near future.